Days 49 (Aruba) 50 and 51 (At Sea, en route for Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale).

First of all, apologies for the slow releasing and slightly “not in the correct order” of my recent blogs.

A couple of days ago, we docked at the port of Oranjestad, capital of the Caribbean island of Aruba, closer to Venezuela than Manchester is to Buxton. There was no need for a shuttle bus as the port was within walking distance of much of the downtown area, with numerous shops and eateries. I was very impressed with what appeared to be a new tramway system with old fashioned style trams. The system might have been most impressive, but the trams seemed to operate at the whim of the one man crew. Nevertheless, it was an impressive set-up, and I was most pleased to be allowed into the depot to see the other three vehicles in the fleet.

I had waited almost to the afternoon to leave the ship to explore, feeling, for the time being, I had had enough of the organised shore excursions, all but one of which had been excellent.

After going around most of the tram route, I explored in the typical heat, some of what the town had offer. Eventually, I found a place with decent WiFi and attempted to catch up with my blogs. But time, by now, was running out and I had to leg it back to the ship.

Aruba didn’t come across as I place to return to in a hurry, unlike many of the places we have visited. But, if you live in eastern USA, then, it makes a perfect holiday destination. Aruba calls itself “The Friendly Island,” as proclaimed on local car number plates. Add to that, “laid back!”

The city’s economy was boosted not only by the onslaught of guests from Queen Elizabeth, but also an impressive looking Carnival Horizon.

Over dinner, all eight of us exchanged our thoughts and experiences of the day. Poor Denise and several others found themselves stranded on a beach following the non-appearance of their tour bus to take them back to the ship. Local public transport came to the rescue for $2 each. A few of us went to the show after dinner. I joined Bob and Frances for a medley of Hollywood songs, which were more “disco” than “Somewhere over the Rainbow.” The set was performed very well and with imagination. But the continual encouraging of the audience to clap does wear a little thin. However, last night’s superb Motown tribute act, did inject a new freshness that succeeded in having its audience dancing at their seats.

Today, we are some 800 nautical miles from Aruba, around 200, from Port Everglades, where we arrive at 06.45hrs tomorrow. There, once again, the tedious immigration procedures requires everybody to leave the ship for authority to re-enter the United States.

It is 86 degrees Fahrenheit outside, as is the sea temperature.

Colin, from our table joined the ship’s choir; the fruits of their rehearsals will be for all to enjoy in the Queens Room at 2pm this afternoon. The rest of us are expected to attend!

Thanks for reading, David.